The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reaffirmed its confidence in Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycroft by assigning him to officiate the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4s match on Sunday, despite objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The decision follows a week of controversy stemming from a no-handshake incident during the teams’ previous encounter, highlighting tensions in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

Last Sunday, Pycroft was at the center of a dispute when the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with Pakistan players, citing a policy decision. The PCB accused Pycroft of failing to uphold the 'Spirit of the Game' and sent two emails to the ICC, first requesting his removal from the tournament and then specifically from Pakistan’s matches.

The ICC rejected both demands, standing firmly behind Pycroft. The global body clarified that Pycroft, as a messenger for the Asian Cricket Council’s Venue Manager, relayed instructions accurately under time constraints and did not violate any protocols.

In response to the PCB’s concerns, the ICC facilitated a meeting between Pycroft and Pakistan’s team management, including captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema. Pycroft expressed regret for the “miscommunication” but did not apologize, as clarified in a subsequent ICC email.

The ICC also accused the PCB of breaching protocols in the Players and Match Officials Area, a claim Pakistan denied. By retaining Pycroft for Sunday’s match, the ICC signals its commitment to maintaining its authority and avoiding setting a precedent by yielding to team objections.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s team management canceled its pre-match press conference, a move sources attribute to avoiding questions about the Pycroft controversy and the handshake issue. This marks the second time Pakistan has skipped media interactions during the tournament. The Asia Cup, a premier regional cricket event, continues to draw global attention, with Sunday’s match expected to intensify the India-Pakistan rivalry under heightened scrutiny.

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